Division of Environmental and Occupational Disease Control California Department of Public Health

Cell Phones and Health

Cell phones, like other electronic devices, emit a kind
of energy called radiofrequency EMFs (electromagnetic
What are EMFs?

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fields). Health officials are concerned about possible
health effects from cell phone EMFs because some EMFs are types of radiation. They

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are created by all electronic
recent studies suggest that long-term cell phone use
devices. Some devices, such as
may increase the risk of brain cancer and other health
watches, create weak EMFs that
problems. For those concerned about possible health

problems, this fact sheet provides information about
how to lower exposure to EMFs from cell phones.
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are considered harmless. Others,
like X-ray machines, generate very
strong EMFs that can damage cells
and tissues, and cause cancer and

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What do we know about cell phones other health effects. This is why
and health? we try to only use X-rays when

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necessary. Cell phones make
Several studies have relatively weak EMFs, somewhat
found that people with less than those from microwave
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certain kinds of brain
cancer were more likely to
ovens, but because they are used
frequently and kept close to the
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have used cell phones for head and body, cell phone EMFs
10 years or more. Most of can affect nearby cells and tissues.
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the cancers were on the

same side of the head that
people usually held their phones. Although the chance of developing
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brain cancer is very small, these studies suggest that regular cell
phone use increases the risk of developing some kinds of brain cancer. Some
studies have also linked exposure to EMFs from cell phones to fertility problems.
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As more studies are done and we learn more about possible risks for cancer and
other health problems linked to cell phone use, the recommendations on this
fact sheet may change.
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EMF exposure from cell phones

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Your exposure to cell phone EMFs depends mostly on your distance from
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the phone, the strength of the EMF, and how long and how often you use the
phone. The farther away the phone is from your body, the lower the exposure.
Your cell phone produces stronger EMFs at the start of a call, when it is trying to
connect to a cell tower, and also when only one or two bars are showing. Your
phone also emits stronger EMFs when used in a moving car, bus, or train, as the
phone switches connections from one cell tower to another. Finally, some phones
produce stronger EMFs than others.

Document released pursuant to Moskowitz v. CDPH, Sac. Super. Ct. No. 34-2016-80002358

April 2014
 What can I do to reduce my exposures to EMFs from cell phones?
To lower your exposure to EMFs from cell phones:
Increase the distance between you and your phone by:
Using the speaker phone.

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Sending text messages.

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Use a headset and carry your phone away from your body. EMFs from
wireless (Bluetooth) and wired headsets are usually weaker than those from a
cell phone.

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Keep your phone away from your body. A cell phone that is on can emit
EMFs even when it is not being used. Do not sleep with your cell phone near you
or carry it in a pocket or directly on your body unless the phone is turned off.

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Limit your cell phone use when reception is weak or increase the distance
between you and the phone. When your phone shows only one or two bars, it is

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emitting stronger EMFs than when three, four, or five bars are showing.
Reduce the amount of time spent talking on a cell phone.
Keep cell phone calls short, even when using a wireless or wired headset.
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Use speaker phone mode or a corded phone for longer conversations.
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Corded phones produce very weak EMFs.
Take off your headset when youre not on a call. Wireless and wired headsets
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emit EMFs even when you are not using your phone.
Do not rely on devices that claim to shield or neutralize EMFs from cell
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phones. These devices have not been shown to reduce exposures.

What about cell phone EMFs and children?

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EMFs can pass deeper into a childs brain than an

adults. Also, the brain is still developing through
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the teen years, which may make children and

teens more sensitive to EMF exposures. For
these reasons, parents may want to limit their
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childs cell phone use to texting, important calls,

and emergencies. Pregnant women, children,
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and teens can also follow the tips for reducing

exposure listed above.

Where can I get more information?

For more information about EMF exposures and cell phones, please send an email
to: cellinfo@cdph.ca.gov

Document released pursuant to Moskowitz v. CDPH, Sac. Super. Ct. No. 34-2016-80002358